June 2026 club update
The last month brought more disappointing weather patterns, though a few days of proper winter conditions saw members venture out the seaway to enjoy some runs along the coast. The club goal is to have more offshore paddling when conditions are suitable and when members are ready for it. That is about building skill levels and confidence to take on the seaway, which can be challenging but is well worth the effort.
A world title bid for South East Queensland
Mayor Tom Tate is working to bring the inaugural World Paddle Games to South East Queensland in 2030, with the whitewater events at Redland Bay and the flatwater events at Oxenford Regatta Lake. It would be the first time ten world title events came together in predominantly one location, at one event. If it comes off, it is also a step closer to bringing those same events to the Gold Coast for the 2032 Olympics.
Our sport is in a strong growth phase and is getting attention from the right people.
June time trial
Single ski numbers dropped with the winter conditions, but we had an increase in SUPs on the water, which was great to see. The triple had another run at the Wave Break circuit and clipped some time off its own record, so that one needs chasing. Participants logged their own times for the first time, which worked very well.
John McGloughlin had company at the front of the field, with interstate member Wayne Heaton visiting the Gold Coast and joining in. Wayne set a cracking pace but was maybe a little too keen: he did not have the route locked down and added some distance with a few course deviations. Ironically it was John giving him directions as he chased him down. Wayne is president of the Newy Paddlers in Newcastle and has been a GCPS member for some time.
Craig Bradfield also took a swim as he lifted his rating and touched blades trying to stay with Wayne and John. It is a good reminder that it can happen to any of us, and it was handled in great spirit.
| Paddler | Craft | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wayne Heaton | SSK | 40:44 |
| John McGloughlin | SSK | 41:23 |
| Chris Salmon | SSK | 42:31 |
| Craig Bradfield | SSK | 42:43 |
| Marco Renai | SSK | 43:33 |
| Murray Wilkinson | SSK | 46:47 |
| Matt Paul | SSK | 48:53 |
| Peter Dyer, Mike Atkins, Dom Panaccio | Triple | 42:30 |
| Peter | SUP | 54:45 |
| Juan | SUP | 56:45 |
| Monica | SUP | 59:00 |
| Tracey | SUP | 59:49 |
The 4 July time trial was cancelled. A slight oversight saw it scheduled on the Gold Coast Marathon weekend, when access to the spit is significantly affected.
Members in the wild
Sunshine Coast Beach to Beach. A number of members travelled up the Sunshine Coast for the 16km Mudjimba to Mooloolaba run, in a field of 150 competitors. Conditions were challenging, but the crew had great results: Elin finished 3rd female across the line overall and 1st in Women’s Spec Ski, and Sue and Fitzy were both age group winners.
Sue Beith, downwind camp at Airlie Beach. Sue travelled to Airlie Beach for a downwind camp and posted videos showing the conditions. It is no wonder she paddles the way she does when she commits to development opportunities like that. Another reason to join one of her Wednesday sessions.
John’s Wednesday morning session continues to be very popular. He posted a video this month on stroke correction, with clear vision of the leg drive and knee action we should all be working towards. That is the muscle memory that matters when you want to lift your pace.
What’s coming up
Epic Kayaks Wave Break Island Challenge, Saturday 18 July. Hosted by Paddle Queensland, starting and finishing on the beach in front of the GCPS boat shed. A 12km paddle around Wave Break, similar to our time trial but longer. If you comfortably complete the Budds Beach coffee run on a Saturday, it is a good alternative for that week. It is a race, but it is about participation rather than being fastest, and everyone competes in categories by age. Not sure of your capabilities but want in? The double or triple is an option. We are not running the event, so members not paddling can help as volunteers.
Head of the Tweed, Sunday 5 July. We missed the chance to get a team into this one. It is 20km, so it needs to be respected and prepared for. Sue Beith is representing the club.
Southport Surf Lifesaving Club joint time trial, later this year. There have been preliminary discussions about a joint time trial between GCPS and SSLC, with a Broadwater start and a beach finish at Southport, in the lead-up to the Coolangatta Gold. A lot of work to do, but it is part of building a stronger relationship with SSLC.
New here?
If you have never paddled before, the easiest way in is the $50 try-us pass. Thirty days, ski and PFD included, an experienced paddler beside you the whole time. We launch from the Paddle House at Muriel Henchman Park, Main Beach, six mornings a week.